Posts Tagged ‘Northeast Florida Lodging’

Florida’s Northeast Region

Northeast Florida, known as “Florida’s First Coast,” combines America’s oldest European settlement with one of the nation’s leading modern seaports, with a collection of small up-and-coming towns adding to the local color and natural beauty. Encompassing Atlantic beaches as far south as Flagler County and inland rural communities west to Palatka, the region offers travelers timeless adventures through mysterious 17th-century forts, vast prairie lands and wide beaches lined with sand dunes.

Off the state’s northeastern-most corner, Amelia Island provides a refreshing change of pace. On this small island, families will find blocks of old mansions, miles of beaches and lots of seafood. Fernandina Beach, the island’s only town, showcases more than 50 blocks of restored Victorian neighborhoods, including a collection of grand, sherbet-hued mansions, called the “Silk Stocking District.”

One of the nation’s fastest growing and most modern cities, Jacksonville is situated along the banks of the state’s longest river, the St. Johns River.

To the south lies the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States — St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown, St. Augustine has diligently preserved much of its rich heritage along a 144-block downtown historic district that offers a history lesson with proven kid appeal. Regardless of their age, visitors are bound to feel young again as they stroll narrow brick streets to discover the Oldest House, Oldest Jail, Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and Oldest Store Museum.

Southwest of St. Augustine, along the banks of the St. Johns River, Putnam County offers quiet, unassuming historic sites which tell the story of Putnam County, including the impact of the Civil War, the advent of steamboat travel along the St. Johns River and the gilded age of the Flagler Railroad.

River Park Inn Bed and Breakfast located in Green Cove Springs is a wonderful place to visit this summer, especially if you are boating or want to. 29.59 665 N and 081.40 478. These are the coordinates if you are navigating the St. Johns River and find yourself in need of respite. Moor your boat at the Green Cove Springs City Pier and walk into town for dining at one of several local establishments or picnic in the park where you will find restrooms, a free flowing mineral spring, a state of the art playground for the kids and a chemical-free, spring-fed swimming pool. Within walking distance of the pier you can explore antique and thrift stores, the vintage Clay Theatre, Hollerith’s art gallery, Wild Ginger pottery shop and River Park Inn Bed and Breakfast for overnight accommodations. Stay in town for the Saturday night Auction at Side by Side and on Sunday afternoon visit the Railroad collection complete with a climb aboard red caboose at the historic museum. Take advantage of a public cruise on the Annabelle Lee, an authentic paddle wheel boat, that will be available for public and private cruises beginning in July 2013. You will find her moored at the pier in Spring Park to accommodate guests from the River Park Inn based on availability. Private cruises for groups and special occasions can be reserved by calling (904) 396-2333. Simply check “promotions” at www.riverparkinn.com for information on the public cruises as well as other specials. So create a warm memory in “Old Florida” and visit Green Cove Springs for a less complicated respite on the west bank of the St. Johns River a little south of Jacksonville. As one of our guests recently commented… “How could you NOT have something to do when you are this close to that beautiful river”.